Junior Ben Gardner of Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS), scored 17 points to lead the Hope College men's basketball team during an 82-64 exhibition loss to NCAA Division II Grand Valley State University on Tuesday.

Gardner is pictured at right.

Sophomore Harrison Blackledge of Canton, Ohio (Hoover HS), chipped in 15 points for the Flying Dutchmen in front of a DeVos Fieldhouse crowd of 2,227.

Grand Valley, playing its third exhibition game of the season, broke open a close game in the first half by outscoring Hope 27-4 over the final 9 ½ minutes for a 44-22 halftime lead.

It was a learning experience, Hope coach Greg Mitchell said.

"We were playing how we wanted to early, very active, very energetic. Committed, especially defensively. Loved the energy," Mitchell said. "(Blackledge) hits a 3 to go up 18-17. The next time they scored they had 31, 32. Then it snowballed.

"I was really proud of how we responded in the second half. We found a little gumption and tenacity."

The Flying Dutchmen rallied to pull within as close as 11 points during the second half.

"It takes a lot of energy to bring it back in a situation like that," Mitchell said. "Grand Valley is a great team, a great program with a lot of experience. A game like this exposes our flaws. We will bounce back."

The game, which does not count in the season standings, also featured eight points apiece from junior Brock Benson of Willowbrook, Illinois (Hinsdale South HS), and junior Stephen Wittenbach of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS).

Hope returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 18, when the Flying Dutchmen host 2014 NCAA Division III national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater at DeVos Fieldhouse. The regular-season game tips off at 7:30 p.m.